Ultramagic M90-NO SERIES N890VB

Summary

On 12 April 2015 at about 14:50 local time, a Ultramagic M90-NO SERIES registered N890VB, operated by Vista Balloon Adventures Inc, was involved in an accident near Sherwood, Oregon, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 April 2015 at 14:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Sherwood, Oregon, United States

Coordinates

45.3439, -122.8797

Aircraft

Ultramagic M90-NO SERIES

Registration

N890VB

Category

Balloon

Year built

2011

Operator

Vista Balloon Adventures Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Newberg → Newberg

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA15CA038

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain the descent rate, resulting in a hard landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The balloon was descending toward a row of trees during an approach to a field. The pilot added heat to make the balloon ascend. Once clear of the trees, the pilot opened a vent to descend and his hand became entangled in the line. The pilot freed his hand and realized that the descent rate was excessive. He maneuvered the balloon for a landing in the field; the balloon bounced, went up about 10 to 15 feet above ground level, and then landed hard. Two passengers sustained broken feet. The balloon sustained substantial damage to 31 fabric panels in the envelope as a result of contact with the burner flames during the landing sequence. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to the flight that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.